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Art Basel Miami Beach is around the corner, running Dec. 4-6. Hotel rates get wild that weekend, but we tracked down where you can book with points. Our team stayed at the Andaz Miami Beach during Art Basel last year, and it’s still available for 30,000 World of Hyatt points a night instead of about $1,500. The Gale South Beach, a 10-minute walk from the convention center, goes for 95,000 Hilton points. We also cover what to do if you’re short on points.

If a winter getaway is on your list, American is running an economy award sale for travel Jan. 11 through Feb. 28, 2027. Plenty of one-way flights cost 8,000 AAdvantage miles, including some to Cancun, while London is 22,500 and Tokyo or Sydney is 25,000. Since American typically lets you cancel awards for free, you can lock in a deal now and change your plans later. The sale ends at 12:59 a.m. EST on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Meanwhile, United keeps opening bigger lounges, with its largest United Club yet in Houston and its second largest at Washington Dulles, where an escalator styled after a D.C. Metro station leads up to the club.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:19 American’s Award Sale

1:17 Art Basel Miami Beach on Points

3:35 United’s New Lounges

4:36 Sign-Off

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Advertiser Disclosure: Departure Digest may receive compensation through our partnership with advertisers when you click on links to offers on this page. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain. Terms apply. The information is valid at the time of posting.

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We like a good airport lounge, and they keep getting better, with tasty food, proper bars, and sometimes even outdoor terraces. No wonder some have a line out the door. While we’ll still take the extra sleep before a 6 a.m. flight, we’ll go out of our way for lounges with haircuts, afternoon tea, or spa treatments. And as basic business class fares cut back on lounge access, getting in with a credit card or elite status is becoming a bigger perk.

No credit card gets you into Hôtel du Marc, though. Even if money’s no object, you can’t book a room at Veuve Clicquot’s six-room mansion in Reims without an invitation from the Champagne house. Guests who make the list even get to meet Nicole, a stuffed ostrich named after Madame Clicquot herself. If you don’t make the cut, you can still book a tour and tasting in the house’s chalk cellars on an easy day trip from Paris.

If you have a Marriott stay of two nights or more before Nov. 22, register for its fall promo by Thursday, Nov. 13, to earn 1,500 bonus points per stay, or up to 4,500 at a resort. Only stays after you register count.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:21 Veuve Clicquot’s Invite-Only Hotel

1:36 Are Airport Lounges Worth It?

3:33 Marriott’s Fall Promo

3:57 Sign-Off

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Advertiser Disclosure: Departure Digest may receive compensation through our partnership with advertisers when you click on links to offers on this page. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain. Terms apply. The information is valid at the time of posting.

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JetBlue raised its bag fees for the second time this year, and a first checked bag now starts at $50 each way if you pay at least a day ahead and avoid peak travel dates. Otherwise, it can run up to $70. If history repeats itself, other airlines could follow within a couple of weeks. The best way to avoid the fee is an airline credit card like the JetBlue Plus Card, which can get you and up to three companions a free first checked bag. If you check bags on JetBlue even once or twice a year, the card can pay for itself.

Before you rent a car abroad, check whether you need an international driving permit. Countries including Italy, Spain, Austria, and Japan require one, even if the rental counter never asks for it. It’s $20 through AAA, no membership needed, and often same-day at a branch.

And if the grandparents are visiting for the holidays (or you’re visiting the grandkids), Six Flags is offering guests 65 and older free, unlimited admission to their home park through the end of its 2026 season.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:26 JetBlue Raises Checked Bag Fees Again

2:38 When You Need an International Driving Permit

4:01 Free Six Flags Admission for Guests 65+

4:37 Sign-Off

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Advertiser Disclosure: Departure Digest may receive compensation through our partnership with advertisers when you click on links to offers on this page. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain. Terms apply. The information is valid at the time of posting.

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